Get That High Fashion, High-Shine Finish

The look that never goes out of style? That high fashion, high-shine finish. Hair health is hot on the scene like never before and your clients are always wanting that hearty, light-reflecting finish. Runway hairstylists have mastered the art, so HJ spoke to one to find out their special secret. Along with being the editorial director at ALTERNA Europe, Joana Neves regularly works backstage at Fashion Week, tending the tresses for the models at many of the biggest fashion houses, including Dolce and Gabbana, Valentino, Versace and Dior.

Having just finished shows in Paris, where the prominent trend across all shows was sleek, polished and high shine hair looks, Joana shares her top tips and product recommendations for creating the fashion show finish… 

A look created by Joana Neves for the Dolce and Gabbana show at Milan Fashion Week, hair by Guido Palau.

High Fashion, High-Shine Finish

Prep, prep and more prep

“When it comes to doing the hair backstage at Fashion Week, the most important thing is prep! The models need to have the most luscious-looking, healthy hair that will enhance the finished look. When hair washing, I always use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner to ensure the hair is in optimum condition and incredibly nourished, soft and manageable prior to styling. Having a good base that’s frizz and tug free, speeds up the process and creates the finished hair look quickly and seamlessly,” advises Joana.

A winner’s toolbelt

“The correct tools are a must-have for creating that lustrous fashion show finish. A hairdryer with a nozzle is one of my must-have tools, which ensures the hair is free from frizz and that it has a shiny and smooth finish. Curling tongs are also one of my essentials and I like to use tongs with a thin barrel to give the hair more precise and bouncy curls for a high-end, glamorous look. Brushes are another essential in my kit and help me to perfect my haute couture looks. When I want to create volume, I use a round brush. For creating sleek styles, however, I use my round paddle brush, which gives me great control over the hair and allows me to tie the hair back clean and tight for that perfectly polished finish. I also always have a comb with me to apply any product I’m using through the hair. This is a key tip for ensuring the product is distributed through the hair and particularly when you are trying to saturate the hair to give the hair a wet look appearance. When creating hair updos, such as sleek, low and high buns and chignons, I love to have flat hair grips handy that I can use to control the hair before applying the product for a finish that’s smooth as possible without flyaways. Ballerina nets have also been a saviour of mine when creating these looks, helping to keep the bun more controlled and compact," guides Joana.

A look created by Joana Neves for the Prada show at Fashion Week, hair by Guido Palau.

It’s all in the product

“The right products are key in creating any look. From prep to styling and finishing, products are needed throughout the full process, particularly when creating sleek looks with a glass-like shine. Some of my favourite products you will find in my kit bag are a volume styling mousse, as it creates volume and shine, an anti-frizz butter, used before heated styling to protect the hair and give smoothness. I also love the Caviar Infinite Color Hold Topcoat Spray, which works to enhance colour and give the hair a mirror-like shine and soft hold. Lastly, but certainly not least, a strong hairspray to give the finished look hold and added shine," Joana finishes. And voila! When your client comes knocking for that high fashion, high-shine finish (and they will) make sure you’re equipped to open the door! Now that we've got that runway-finish down, let's cover all the bases. Colour? Try one of our spring colour trends! Style?

Check out our favourite looks from the Oscars.